“YAL has many common characteristics: Conflicts are often consistent with the young adult’s experience, themes are interest to young people, protagonists and most characters
are young adults, and the language parallels that of young people” (Bushman & Haas, p. 2).
Other considerations include target ages 12-18 and an emphasis on choice v. mandated school reading.
CHARACTERISTICS OF YAL (Class 2):Drawing on the reading fromBushman & Haas,
Ch. 1,our personal experience, and any additional sources, these are what we
WORKING DEFINITIONS OF YAL:
“YAL has many common characteristics: Conflicts are often consistent with the young adult’s experience, themes are interest to young people, protagonists and most characters
are young adults, and the language parallels that of young people” (Bushman & Haas, p. 2).
Other considerations include target ages 12-18 and an emphasis on choice v. mandated school reading.
CHARACTERISTICS OF YAL (Class 2): Drawing on the reading from Bushman & Haas,
Ch. 1, our personal experience, and any additional sources, these are what we
have identified as characteristics of YAL:
Our Definitions of YAL Collected F17
(using WordClouds.com)Emotional independence
Real-life experiences
Sounding board where no one else is listening
Idea of coming of age
Connections to identity
Representation; characters like you and unlike you
Personal ideology; challenging ideas you're brought up with
Moral responsibility; learning how your actions affect yourself and others
Serve to help young people with problems/conflict in society
Coping and understanding physical changes
Escape or time machine for the nostalgic
Provides a different version of events for mature readers
Helps w/ decision-making and consequences
Bridge to opening discussion about one's own experiences
Helps to recognize one's own biases
Providing comfort and hope
Community
Allows reader to explore new "inexperienced" areas in life that seem appealing
Provides privacy to venture into taboo topics to gain knowledge and experience
Continue adding to the list...